July saw an 11.7% rise in UK new car registrations, driven by a 44.5% surge in electric vehicles. Discover the figures and implications for buyers.

July’s Registration Surge – 11.7% Growth Across the Board

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that 156,571 new cars were registered in the UK during July, marking an 11.7% increase on the month before and the eighth consecutive month of growth.

Electric Vehicles Deliver a ‘Huge’ Lift

Pure‑electric cars were the primary catalyst, with registrations climbing 44.5% compared with June. This strong performance is expected to push electric‑vehicle (EV) market share to 27.4% of all new registrations by the end of the year – still below the 33% target set by the Zero‑Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

The SMMT also forecasts that EV share could reach 32.1% in 2025, against a mandated 38% for that year.

Why Did July New Car Registrations Jump 11.7%? EV Sales Lead the Surge

Hybrid Segments Also Benefit

Registrations of plug‑in hybrids surged by 33.6%, while conventional hybrids grew 11.6% over the same period.

Demand Across All Buyer Types

Private buyers increased their take‑up by 12.6% in July. Fleet deliveries were up 9.5%, and the lower‑volume business segment saw an especially strong jump of 61.3%.

Top‑Selling Models in July

The Ford Puma emerged as the month’s best‑selling model, with 3,531 units registered. Among electric cars, the Renault 5 led the EV market, recording 1,805 registrations.

Industry Views on the Rapid EV Rise

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes described July’s record EV performance as “a great achievement” that reflects the industry’s massive investment in zero‑emission mobility. However, he warned that sustained growth could be jeopardised if manufacturers continue to rely on deep discounting to meet the ZEV targets, saying that such practices distort genuine demand.

Hawes added that the sector’s commitment to decarbonisation is clear, but its long‑term viability and ability to attract further investment are under pressure. He called for urgent regulatory reform to protect Britain’s automotive competitiveness, jobs and livelihoods.

What This Means for Dealers and Buyers

For dealers, the data underlines the importance of stocking a broad mix of electric and hybrid models to capture the accelerating consumer shift. For prospective buyers, the rise in EV registrations signals improving market depth, but also highlights the need to monitor forthcoming regulatory changes that could affect pricing and incentives.

The original story was published on Car Dealer Magazine.

Why Did July New Car Registrations Jump 11.7%? EV Sales Lead the Surge